Bittersweet and the little soap company

birthday, book, and bee gees...

Today is my dad's birthday! There isn't a day go by that I'm not thankful for his love. I'm forever thankful that God picked him to be my father. He has taught me many life lessons and those teachings continue today. He is and always has been super talented and the smartest man I know.  

The kitchen will be bellowing with the scent of lasagna soon as I'm preparing a dish to take to my dad's later.  Happy Birthday, Dad! Big things...

Yesterday was our first day back at the shop. I eagerly prepared for the big soap sale and as I gazed out the window my heart skipped a beat when I saw the line form all the way to the sidewalk. Big things...

As the day floated along, we danced and sang to the Bee Gees and conversed in lovely conversations. It felt great to be back and among my people! 

I often need to pinch myself as this life I've built sometimes feels like a dream. The humans that surround me are exceptional beings that bring joy to my life. Big things...

Annie brought us flowers! 

The Bittersweet Bags were bursting as patrons filled their muslin bags with mounds and pounds of soap! That's a picture of Dee. One of the exceptional humans I just mentioned!

The week before returning to the shop was filled with thoughts of new packaging and designs as it often is this time of year. 

Gouda gooey egg muffins filled my stomach with contentment. I tend to get stuck on certain foods and then I get tired of them and move onto something else. 

I'm getting back into the groove and getting ever so anxious for spring to arrive! I can't wait to be outside planting and digging and smelling. The smells of spring are delightful and fresh. I've always found it intriguing, the scents of the season. Sometimes they can go unnoticed. One must slow down and take them in. I can't say that out of all the four seasons that I have a favorite season scent. For if I left one out, I'd truly miss it. Spring with her fresh ozone and raindrop aroma, while summer arrives with a scent of green grass and roses, fall follows with dried leaves and moist earth, and winter lags behind bringing crispness and the smell of snow. Yes, I do believe you can smell snow! The phrase stop and smell the roses, comes to mind. 

I ordered in some flower presses to offer at the shop. They are well made and bring back happy memories. I used to love pressing flowers and preserving them. It's fun to look back as each spring and summer is magically never the same in the garden. A couple of years ago while on my morning walk, I looked down at a patch of grass and there stood a four-leaf clover. I'll be darn if I didn't find two more four leaf clovers all in the same week in the same spot. I called it my honey pot of clover. I had wanted to press the clovers in a flower press, but no longer had one. I stuck them inside a book for safe keeping. The clovers were found during a challenging time in my life, and I always thought that they were a precious gift. If they could talk, they would say, hang in there, you're not alone.  

During my break I was able to work on my book a little. Not a lot, but the writing is on the page, and that's good. It's as though I'm wearing an apron, and someone continues to tug at the hem! In other words, this book feels like something that I must do. Have you ever had this feeling before? Sometimes we have feelings like this, but we don't take any action.  I believe someone is trying to tell me something, and I trust that my actions determine the outcome. 

Sometimes we follow the same worn-out path while other times we create a new one. Both paths are lined with free will - An excerpt from the book that I'm writing. 

 

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo

 

 

Spice it up!

I always grab a Farmer's Almanac and rummage through the pages around early fall, and then remind myself to check the accuracy of the predictions as the days pass and winter blows by. I'm not very good at verifying the accuracy of the book as I get busy with other things and by the time, I remember that I was going to check, its Spring! However, this winter has been filled with sunshine warm days on one day and then by the next, its cold and snowy. Very much up and extreme down, and just what the almanac predicted. There's something comforting knowing that a book that's been around for such a long time forecasts the weather in accuracy.  At least I think so. Farmers still use the almanac as a guide for planting. The moon phases are listed, and a lot of farmers and gardeners plant their crops and flower beds by the phases of the moon. 

Now dreary winter's piercing cold, floats on the northern gale, and trees, though green, look dry and old; snow covers hill and dale. 

Elle looked at me with those sweet eyes as she stood by the porch door on that sunshiny day. Dog language, I call it. She ended up grazing in the sun for hours as I made soap! Little things...

It's a delight to be working on Valentine packaging. The alkanet root and dried cranberry powder offer a beautiful pale pink hue to this special soap. Not to mention that's flavored with Rose Geranium and Sweet Orange and dipped in Chamomile. A Valentine sundry treat for the taking, but they won't last long. 

My Saturdays have been golden! You know how when you don't have something that you sometimes want, and then you get it how much more you appreciate it? At least that's how I am. There aren't very many Saturdays throughout the year that I'm not at my shop. In fact, the past twenty-four-year Saturday's have been spent at my shop. So, when I have a few Saturdays off during winter break, I honor them and cherish them. They are cultivated and nourished and not too much thought goes into how they play out. Usually, I'll spend my hours cooking or baking, reading, and watching movies. An occasional load of laundry in between, but nothing pressing to worry my little mind. Little things...

I'm definitely a winter cook!  Roasted garlic, homemade cocoa, and soups of all types fill my kitchen with the smell of what I call winter. 

I made vegetable soup and roasted garlic and Irish butter rolls. Then right before heading to bed blended Dutch cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, milk, and sugar to create the most amazing hot cocoa. Oh yeah, and a large dallop of fresh whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon on top. There's nothing better than a cup of real hot cocoa on a snowy winter night! Dutch cocoa is a high fat cocoa and helps make the best cocoa ever! This is where I get it. 

4 cups of milk

3 TB. sugar

2 TB cocoa

a dash of cinnamon and vanilla

Blend over stove until warm. Top with marshmallows or fresh whipped cream. 

Enjoy.

Vegetable Soup

 

12 ingredients

Produce

 Carrots, Large

1/2 cup Celery

1 Garlic clove, Large

1 lb. Potatoes

1 (15 Ounce) Can Tomatoes

1 cup White onion

6 cups Vegetable broth or Chicken broth

1/2 tsp Black pepper

2 tsp Italian seasoning

2 tsp Salt

1 tbsp cooking oil

12 oz Mixed vegetables, Frozen

 

Add 1 TB of olive oil to stock pot. Chop onion, celery, potatoes, and carrot and simmer in oil for twenty minutes of so. Add garlic, spices, salt, pepper. Stir. Add fresh garlic, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for at least an hour or longer, uncovered. Add the mixed vegetables when it's almost done or done. 

Enjoy 

 

I love the way the snow lays on the cedar and pine trees. It reminds me of a winter forest. We've lost a few of our cedar trees over the years, and it just about kills me when I see one start to die. Cedar, pine, cypress, all dear to my heart in the matter of trees. 

The Boho bouquets continually fill my soul with admiration. I don't ever recall a time that I didn't have a fascination for dried flowers and plants. Designing a dried flower bouquet fills me with joy. I'm filled with even more joy to see that other's appreciate the everlasting bouquets as much as I do. 

I've been traveling back and forth to the shop with carloads of freshly made Bittersweets. It usually takes five to six trips to get it all unloaded. This translates into a well-stocked apothecary shop!

Fresh cremes. serums, and an assortment of salves, and liniments fill the tables and shelves. Some new, some tried and true. 

There are a few lingering formulations dangling in my head that I'll be putting together and sharing as it gets closer to spring. 

The Christmas decorations are down, and I've been caring for my plants and pondering thoughts of a furniture change. Just thoughts though. I have to build up to that!

A new Herbal Massage Ball is fascinating to me! The best thing about this tool is how it produces moist heat during a massage. Years ago, I made Heat Pillows that were filled with corn. I had no idea how moist heat was so therapeutic until I started making these. There's really nothing that compares. 

 

Grandma Lucy's aromatic cleaning spray helps to change one's winter melancholy mood. The spicy home keeping aid smells amazing and will fill your home with its herbal blend. 

 

Dry brushing. Don't knock it before you try it. 

The new Agarwood Liniment is a must-have to keep in your medicine cabinet especially during winter months. 

A re-do on a popular scrub, and it gets a new name. Invigorating Lemon and Rosemary keep me coming back!

I received a request for jade rollers. I was intrigued with these little skin tools, so I found a supplier and they're now available at our shop and web site. 

We'll be back at the shop on Saturday! Woohoo! I'm ready, and excited to share the things I've been working on at home. 

The huge Soap Sale will kick off on this day! 

I believe that we have around two hundred pounds of soap for this sale! It will impress me if we sell out on Saturday! It does happen!

 

Keep smiling and hold onto that faith. It will nourish you in ways you never imagined. 

 

Jill xo

 

 

 

comfort food

We managed to pull in a productive week! Winter lends a hand to this type of progress at the Bittersweet Studio. Home projects have remained on the back burner for the time being. Simply because this little business called Bittersweet demands so much of my time. By no means should you think that's a bad thing. I've worked hard the past twenty-four years to build this business and aid it in growing. None of which would be possible without the help of my family and the amazing customers that I've encountered through these wonderful years, there isn't a day go by that I'm not grateful for this and more. The huge load of Bittersweets was loaded and unloaded last week at the shop. I'm always flabbergasted with the amount of cremes, serums, and salves that accumulate this time of year. I make them, and then I make more. This is where that g word comes in. A few years ago, I made a Lavender Liniment that was seasonally popular.  The menthol-based healing balm flew out the door during winter months, but trailed behind during spring, summer months. When this happens nowadays, I usually only make the item during the months that it is in demand. I'm a bit compulsive about any Bittersweet that sits on the store shelf for months on end. In fact, I just won't stand for it! A bit harsh to say, but true. Although almost all of the product's that we make have at least a two-year shelf life, I prefer a Bittersweet to be put to use before that time. It's just always been my thing. We usually don't worry too much with this because most all of our essentials sell at a consistent level. However, if something doesn't, I pull it. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing. You aren't in business for as long as we've been without learning how important timing is in almost everything that you do. There's a good time, bad time, and perfect time for everything. How do you learn which is the best for your business? I'd have to say by experience. That's really the only way.  With all of the flooding of social media platforms, monitoring rhythms, and the vast number of internet tracking systems, sometimes it's just a matter of going over the timing. The bottom line is always evaluating the research that these programs offer, but you will find that you consistently go back to timing. We tried this ten years ago, and it faded, but look, we re-introduced it and it's more popular than ever! There are perks when your business has been around the block. The g word comes to mind, again. I feel fortunate to have learned from the ground up, and I always make sure that I'm refreshed to be able to keep up with the constant new technology and research. It's in my genes! Both my brother and dad are computer savvy and very much computer genius's. I'll share their stories sometime. You will be impressed!

Let's go back...

I mentioned how we used to offer a Lavender Liniment. The past few months have been filled with oodles of requests for this product. When these requests flow in, I usually bring it back! We've brought it back but with some improvements. We've replaced Lavender with Agarwood. Are you familiar with Agarwood?  That's a great website by the way! We're excited to bring this popular winter essential back to Bittersweet!

Our huge Soap Sale is fast approaching! I believe we have on hand several hundreds of pounds of naked soap available for this sale! It sounds funny to say hundreds of pounds. Let's see, 3.5-ounce x hundreds of bars = hundreds of pounds. Save the date: Saturday, January 22, 2022. 

 If you're like me, you're dreaming about Spring. That shot of the bee balm growing in my garden urges me to ponder those thoughts. The bees love this plant! 

I've always loved corked bottles! It feels great to incorporate some into Bittersweet. We've introduced corked bottles before, so I guess they would fall into the timing thing. This is a nine-ounce glass bottle that the salt is in. Kind of unique size in the apothecary business. It's not too small, and not to large. Just right. 

We also have a new line of stationary and greeting cards that I'm absolutely in love with. The artist is amazing! Bittersweet is honored to carry her collections.

I have a confession to make. I have a weakness for tea towels! Sometimes my weakness can be your reward! The assortment of cotton tea towels will happily take you into spring. 

I'm working on some new scents. One of which is named Maribelle. She is cultivated and wrapped with notes of juniper and sweet orange. This perfume will be a welcome pick-me-up during cold winter months. I also believe that it will be appealing to all. Are you a floral, spice, or citrus girl or boy? This is always a great place to start when you're choosing a scent for someone else. 

Fresh jars of Peppermint Foot Creme, Lemon Nail Creme, Agarwood Liniment, Marula Smoothie, and Marula Face Creme hit the store shelves this past week!

When we arrive back to the shop after our winter break its usually time to stock back up on Bittersweets! We always like to have everything in stock when you visit. Sometimes we don't, but most of the time we do.  

In addition to Maribelle, we're introducing a Winter Elixir and another fragrance that I believe will happily glide into spring on the fragrance chart. 

I made Grandma Christine's Chocolate Pie! This is an old-fashioned recipe that my grandmother gave to me many years ago. You can either make meringue or whip up some cream to put on top of this rich chocolate pie.  It's funny, I can still remember exactly where I was sitting in her Utah home when I wrote out the receipt. I'm guessing because it really meant something to me. To think that all these years later, I'm making the pie that my grandmother made when she was a young wife and mother. Soulful stories. 

I definitely have a level of comfort food cravings during the winter.  Grandma Christine's pie, Ravioli Soup, Chicken Noodle...I don't really follow a recipe for the Ravioli soap or Chicken noodle, but I'm going to share how I make both. Over the years I feel like I've perfected both recipes. 

Ravioli Soap

Brown one pound of Italian Sausage in a large soup pot. Allow to cook through. 

Add one box of organic chicken broth. You can use more if you like a little more broth. 

Add a can of stewed tomatoes into the broth and sausage. Give a good stir. Pour a bag of pre-made cheese ravioli into broth mixture. I actually had to come back and add this because I forgot! If you prefer, a meat pre-made ravioli. I'm not into too much meat lately for some reason. 

Sprinkle in a dash of Italian Seasoning or Oregano. 

After it's simmered on the stove for thirty minutes of so add a can of Italian Green Beans. Note: When I posted this recipe, I received some questions asking what Italian Green Beans were. They are available at most markets and the can will read Italian Green Beans. They are short and fatter than other green beans. They are Italian after all! Ha! I'm making sure you're still with me! 

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

First let me say that I use a cooked Rotisserie Chicken when making this soup. Not only does it speed up the process, but it does also not make any difference in taste. I like easy when it's available at a no cost result. 

Cut up your chicken in small bite size pieces. Set aside. 

Sauté one large onion of your choice, two celery sticks, and two carrots in two Tablespoons of olive oil. You can use butter if you want to add some flavor. 

Sauté onion, celery and carrots until their vegetable aroma's fill your home or about ten minutes. 

Add two boxes of organic chicken broth to the sautéed vegetables. I have found that if I use one box the noodles absorb all of the broth and it's dry. Honestly, you can't get enough broth in this soup. 

Add a bay leaf and a sprinkle of thyme, a half teaspoon of celery seed, and 1/4 tsp. of turmeric to the broth and veggies. 

Simmer on low for an hour or more covered. 

While you're waiting mix two tablespoons of either flour or cornstarch to 1/4 cup of water. Set aside. 

I use wide egg noodles for this soup, but you can use whatever noodle you wish to use, and about 1 1/2 cups. 

Cook noodles according to directions. After they're ready add them into the broth mixture. 

Finally, add the flour/cornstarch blend to thicken the soup. You don't even need to do this if you prefer a more brothy type chicken soup. 

Enjoy

Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful year ahead. 

Jill xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

looking ahead

It's an exciting moment when I realize the few final touches have been added to a new line. The creative journey always has a beginning and an end. Each step transforms and gets you closer to your vision, and just like that, it seems, the images in your mind transfer to a real hold in your hand item. I guess you could imagine this to be true in not only capturing new product forecasts, but in everyday life. At least that's what I've always thought. 

Happy Twenty-Two!

My motto for the past few years has been - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

If I've learned anything the past couple of years, I've learned to be appreciative of each day, and to not let the goings on of this world take away the amazing beauty that surrounds me each and every day.  

This beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and is always present regardless of the world around us. Sometimes you have to adjust your way of thinking to be able to recognize its joyful presence. Sometimes you just need to turn off the news!  Once you lean towards this understanding, you'll be awakened to the endless possibilities that God has planned for you while your short time on earth. It's about letting go and regardless of the circumstance no matter how dire it might be, hold onto the thought of knowing you are here for a reason, and that reason is bigger than any obstacle or bad thing that might come along in your earthly life. It's also easy to get discouraged or doubt your trust and faith. It happens to all of us. That is called being human!  I have learned time and time again that overcoming doubts and standing strong in my faith becomes my daily devotional that navigates this journey I call life. I could not live without the knowledge of knowing this, and I feel blessed beyond measure to have this knowledge. Thank you, God!

Let's bring back Letter Writing! We've all had to learn how to slow down these past few years. I can't imagine a more soulful way to appreciate the slowness by writing a "from the heart" letter to a friend or loved one.  

I've always had a fascination for beautiful paper and stationery! When I was young, I couldn't wait to write a letter to a friend on new stationary! Back then we had scented stationary! What a grand idea, I always thought. You see, my love for fragrance has always surrounded my life from the beginning.

A dear friend made the butterfly garland. Again, beautiful paper constructed to be a beautiful object of affection. 

I don't make New Year's resolutions. It seems to me a set-up for disappointment down the road. I do however make resolutions about creating new scents and such. One of those ideas' floats around flowers. Well of course it does, we just talked about that!

I love the new canvas bags! Spring Twenty-Two will be surrounded by all things flowery! Flower Presses and Everlasting Bouquets will also wrap themselves around us in Twenty-Two. 

Yes, it's true! We have a new Denin Department in our shop! Yippee-Yee-Yang! I don't want to disclose to you how many pairs of jeans that hang in my closet today. Maybe later down the road. At any rate, blue jean rate that is, my love for the textile is and always has been present. That is why I've designed an area of the shop dedicated to the flairs, straight's, cuffed, and indigo hues. 

Those silk drawstring bags made from scraps of Sari's! I love these bags! An idea came to assembly Bath Salt assortments using the silk sacks. I'm working on labels for the new packaging. My mind is set with what the labels should look like, but I've yet to design them on paper. Should go pretty quickly once font and graphics are chosen for the colorful assortment of Soaking Salts. I can't think of a better time to introduce this pampering aromatherapy essential. Bath time... Slow down...

Do you remember when the lilacs bloomed in October? I captured the image back when challenges were ever present. The idea of lilacs blooming when they're not supposed to was quite appealing and intriguing. I didn't want to question it but embrace their signature scent and purple blossoms.  

Waffles...

Okay, I'm going to share the fact that wintertime is waffle time at our house! When I purchased our waffle iron some ten years ago that recipe booklet came with the iron. It is the easiest and best recipe I've ever used! You can tell that by the ruggedness of the recipe. I misplaced the recipe a few times and tried to find it online, but never could. Believe me, you won't find any better recipe for homemade waffles! I think the peaks of the egg whites are the secret. 

Our big soap sale is coming on January 22! I'll keep reminding you! It's a while out, but ever present in my mind as I prepare for the once a year event!

I spent several days at the shop clearing and cleaning space for the new Spring arrivals. 

I'm working on several new products during winter break, not really a break, but a great time to ponder new ideas and think about warmer temperatures coming. 

This April Bittersweet will be celebrating twenty-five years! It sure doesn't feel like it's been twenty-five years! I'm thankful for it, including failures, disappointments, milestones, and moments. A journey that will stay with me forever. 

Thank you.

Jill xo

 

Each Moment Is Precious

 Patricia A. Fleming 

Published: October 2018

Live in the moment,
Just take it all in.
Pay attention to everything,
Right there and right then.

Don't let your mind wander
To what's coming next.
Cherish this moment
And give it your best.

Don't let tomorrow
Make you rush through today,
Or too many great moments
Will just go to waste.

And the person you're with,
In that moment you share,
Give them all of your focus.
Be totally there.

Laugh till it hurts,
Let the tears drop.
Fill up each moment
With all that you've got.

Don't miss the details.
The lesson is there.
Don't get complacent;
Stay sharp and aware.

It can take but a moment
To change your life's path.
And once it ticks by,
There is no going back.

In just 60 seconds,
You may make a new friend.
Find your true love,
Or see a life start or end.

You become who you are
In those moments you live.
And the growth's not in taking
But in how much you give.

Life is just moments,
So precious and few.
Whether valued or squandered,
It's all up to you!

 

 

in review

When I start digging out old photos of past Bittersweet, I can't help but be reminded of the artisan journey. 

There was a day that doesn't feel so very long ago that this soap maker would sit at her sewing machine whipping up an array of items to be sold in her store. Pajama shorts, camisoles, wide leg pants, bowl cozies, linen aprons, and the list goes on and on, and even on. 

The making of these things never came easy for me. It was always trial and error, upon more trial and error. Lots of flops, and lots of tossed in the trash too! To think that I hated sewing in high school and couldn't follow a pattern for nothing still baffles my mind! Those thoughts allowed me to learn a valuable lesson.  One that has stayed with me for most of my adult life. Don't underestimate what you can learn or maybe I should say unlearn. 

I learned how to learn. Think about that for a moment. It's my belief that each person has a unique way of learning new things. Sometimes it takes a while to recognize it and put it into motion, but once you figure it out, it's a lightbulb moment! This learning ability is often absent in school or college but shows up later. This is why a lot of people go to college for one thing and end up doing the complete opposite later in life. 

People always ask me how I learned how to make this or that. This is how I have learned. I jump in all the way, and then slowly learn the ropes as I go along. Never be afraid of trying something new thinking that you could never do it. That's your first learning mistake. Always go into a project thinking, I can do this, and I will! 

My love for making things has always been a vital part of who I am as a human. My life would be dull and unfulfilling it I wasn't able to create with my hands. 

I also hear often, "I could never learn how to do that!" Poppycock! That's your second learning mistake!

There was never a time that I didn't make something just to be making it. Each hand made item was created out of a yearning for something that I felt I needed. Disappointment seemed to be a common occurrence with my purchases. My expectations were usually always never met. Once in a great while I guess, my expectations would be exceeded, but rarely. 

For that reason, Bittersweet was founded!

I can build it better has always been my motto or way of thinking but having said that constructing something to make it better always carries with it learning curves. Well, of course it does!

The skies the limit...

As I ponder over years past creations, I'm also reminded of some soulful stories. 

New Year ♥ - Bittersweet and the little soap company (typepad.com)

nut shell - Bittersweet and the little soap company (typepad.com)

the hand made goods - Bittersweet and the little soap company (typepad.com)

this thing - Bittersweet and the little soap company (typepad.com)

Creating gifts made from cloth... - Bittersweet and the little soap company (typepad.com)

Happy New Year!

Jill xo

 

 

 

now that's more like it!

 

 

I can't tell you how happy it makes me that November is here! It always feels like once Halloween arrives the next day is Christmas! Well, maybe not quite but I believe you can relate. Each new season brings with her a variety of nouveau Bittersweets. The holidays shine bright here at Bittersweet. Not only do we enjoy sharing our artisan crafted soaps and essentials we also love sharing our packaging and style ideas. The holiday season is a short one compared to most so we try and make its arrival a bit early. Our winter inventory was chosen back during the summer months and the holiday soaps began their runway walk back in July! It always feels as though the holidays are here so quickly. I know that you can relate to that too. 

In comparison to past gift giving seasons I'm finding that some, not all, of the supply chains are being interrupted from their normal inventory to not being able to re-order many items because shipping is taking a crazy amount of time than usual. Keeping that in mind, I have ordered some of our favorite things, but will not be re-ordering once they're gone. So with that in mind, I'm encouraging customers to shop early especially if you have your eye on something now. 

The handmade wool hats are on that shop early list as are the sari scarves. I'm hoping to keep up with the demand of holiday soaps and items that Bittersweet makes, but it does get crazy and things fly out the door almost instantly this time of year. 

I stopped by my local hobby store last week and picked up a couple of birch twig trees. We placed them in the shop window and I love the warm glow that they share in the shop. I made it a point to drive by at night just so I could see them shine. I even had my dad and M.J. drive by at night so they could witness their simple beauty. 

Once again there are many home projects I'm tending to. Painting and getting ready to assemble a new wood bed frame. New lighting is sitting in my living room. I'll be calling the electrician in a few days, hopefully. I can't wait to put the room together! 

I'm also chopping at the bits to box up all of the fall pumpkins and replace them with holiday trimmings. Heck, I might even put my Christmas tree up in a couple of weeks! Why not! 

You may remember when I chatted about writing a book. Well, I'm happy to say that I've finally started! The book is not at all what I had planned to write about, but I feel spirit driven to write about something that I recently experienced. I feel that the words and the book will help others. Even if only one person gets something from it, I'm in! I'm not going to get into the subject of the book right now, I'm going to make you wait until it gets published!

Here's to November! Three cheers to you!

Keep smiling and most of all, keep the faith. 

Jill xo

little things...

 

(Little Things)

by Julia A. Fletcher Carney

Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean
And the beauteous land.

And the little moments,
Humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages
Of eternity.

So our little errors
Lead the soul away,
From the paths of virtue
Into sin to stray.

Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Make our earth an Eden,
Like the heaven above.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I was in shock when the lilac bushes began to bloom! Never in my years have I ever witnessed a fall blooming of lilacs. I'm grateful for their amazing perfume and lavender colored blooms, and regardless of what time of the year it is they are treasured. Probably even more loved when they bloom when you least expect them to. A miracle of sorts if you believe in such things and I do!

 

Little Elle has been keeping me company lately and she's such a joy to have around. Her tender heart is well tender, and she loves me beyond words, and since a dog can't really talk, her words form from looking into her eyes. Those sweet eyes! She's getting up there in years, as is her master. 

 

When I went to take Elle for her bathroom break outdoors I noticed a monarch hovering over the zinnias. I grabbed my phone to capture his or her beauty. Little things...

Between the lilacs there are pumpkins. All shapes, sizes, and colors, and I find myself admiring their faux beauty. Little things...

 

I'm half way finished with manufacturing of the holiday soaps! This is good! Very good! I'm planning on getting a jump on soap manufacturing this year. Once January and February arrive and the north wind begins to blow her horn soap making becomes finicky to say the least. My goal is to get our fall and winter soap manufacturing completed before those months come. Then I believe, fingers crossed, I can take a couple of months off from soap making. Our shop closes for a winter break and my plan is to devote my time to other things. I'm not sure what kind of other things, but other things sounds good. 

 

I've formatted the holiday soap labels and lined up the yummy seasonal scents. You may recall how Bittersweet works on winter in the summer, and spring in the winter. I've been operating this way for so long it feels normal. 

 

I believe folks are going to love our holiday packaging and special gift offerings. 

 

Meanwhile, the fall soaps are starting to hit the shop shelves! It's so uncommon for a soap shop to offer a new soap each week. So rare that I think I'll repeat that. It's so uncommon for a soap shop to offer a new soap each week. This weeks fall offering is Nag Champa and Amber. This aromatic blend will get you in the mood for fall!

 

My family has offered to help wrap soap! We're going to have a soap wrapping party this weekend! I'm thankful for their help and support, always. 

I'm proud to say that these little hands can wrap around one-hundred and twenty bars an hour! All the years of practice pays off! What we need is lots of soap! You may recall those words remembered in a children's book that I used to read to my son . I can still remember how we'd laugh and carry on about mom making soap! Little things...

 

Keep smiling.

Jill xo

 

 

the earthy season

I've always considered fall to be the earthy season. The smell of layers of fallen leaves on the moist earth omit the perfect fall scent always earthy and raw. I love that scent. I'd love to bottle it and use it to scent soap! It's officially the BER months, and I simply can't be happier that they are here. We baked a round of these last night. I have had the Magnolia Bakery Cookbook since it first came out. Not to be confused with the Texas Magnolia. This one is in New York, and even though I've never had the chance to visit I feel that having their cookbook is the next best thing to being there. I would imagine this little bakery throws off aroma's that would also be glorious bottled. If you love to bake you can pick up a copy of their cookbook. You won't be disappointed. I also love their vanilla cupcake recipe. It looks like they have several cookbooks available now. Way to go girl! 

We're planning an old fashioned fall open house next week. I'm hoping that the pumpkins will be out at the patch and the mums budding at the mum farm. It's probably a tad bit early, but hopefully I can locate a few for our fall gathering. It's a jaunt over the hills and through the woods, but worth the trip! I remember when I used to have my radio show, and one of the first ones I went on and on about how plump and fat those mums are! Laughing... If you've ever watched any episodes of Saturday Night Live with the two ladies chatting on the radio, that was me only cornier. Those were the days! Not that long ago, but it feels like a lifetime. 

We're getting in so many unique items in for fall. I've decided to start a live offering of some of our items. It seems that everyone is selling items live nowadays. I'm not one to follow trends, but I do believe with our limited shop hours it might be convenient for folks to shop at home when they don't have time to shop in person. The next best thing, I think. I shop a lot online. I buy shoes, clothing and most of the items that are offered in our shop, minus the Bittersweets. We make about eighty-five percent of our inventory so we don't have a large inventory of wholesale items. 

The Safari Bain Soap is wrapped and on the shelves. This scent is intoxicating and very much reminds me of Africa. It's earthy and warm with many layers. Quite opposite of our other new line, Sunday Morning which is fruity with vanilla and musk. Both extremely yummy to the nose! If I don't mind saying...

+ a new fragrance that holds onto summer while wrapping itself in fall. Indian Summer. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and crispy nights. Indian Summer is another new favorite. I've developed a new room spray in this lovely scent. It has staying power and linger long after you spritz. 

Alice Bracelet... When I make them a sense of completion comes over me. Named after my sweet soft spoken mom, Alice. She used to make beaded necklaces when I was a young girl. I always loved that my mom made things. She was crafty and creative and very talented. A published writer. Her daughter lacks in the latter, but grows more on the crafty side. I do believe these traits are passed down. After all I'm a fourth generation soap maker! What more proof do you need?

The Elderberry Elixir... We're honored and thrilled to carry this natural remedy. I call it this because of the countless times it's kept me well or lessened a cold. I'm a believer. I mentioned in our last post and the one before about the Elderberry Honey we're stocking as well. Both are staples in our medicine cabinet in the fall and winter months. I feel like a bear preparing for winter. Nesting they call it. Fall nesting. Do you get it? The excitement of burning a new fall candle or the chance to pull out a jacket or scarf. 

P. S. I love you!

First let me say, I'm not a typical Pumpkin Spice fan, however I must also add that not all Pumpkin Spice are created equal. Bittersweet's Pumpkin Spice is not your average Pumpkin Spice. At the shop we can blend from our scent your own and the soap is available for at least a few days before we sell out. We are selling it so quickly that we can't list it on our web shop. A good problem for a soap company to have, but I must admit that I feel bad for those that are not local and able to shop our store. 

I shot the living room capture from our stairwell. The photo shows how a fall spring and a few faux pumpkins can instantly maneuver a space into fall. I also switch out my pillow covers to leather. I love the color and texture in fall decorating.

I purchased some tiny solar lights to wrap around our deck. I was like a kid and couldn't wait for it to get dark to see them! They're not super bright, but offer a warm light at night. I sat outside and admired them for some time. The crickets were chirping and an owl was hooting in the distance. I love nature! We're so lucky to be able to sit and enjoy the great outdoors in the comfort of our home. I never take these things for granted. 

Lastly, a Fall Soap Menu...

It's not in order, but the menu of warm and spicy soaps will be hitting our store shelves in the weeks to come. I'm hoping to be able to list some of them on our web shop. We sell a lot of soap at our store so it's a matter of the soap maker and manager of Bittersweet being able to keep up. Typically we will sell out of our fall soaps within a few days. 

Keep Smiling. 

Jill xo 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it feels good, do it!

Back in the day, Hippie days to be exact, folks would always say, If it feels good, do it! You may have heard this phrase but really didn't know what it meant.  

When I say it my meaning kind of takes on a tad bit different than the original. Minus all the phycologists and folks analyzing what other's say or mean. Yeah, we won't go into that. When those words come out of my mouth I simply mean if something makes you feel good, don't listen to if it's the proper time, place, or situation, just do it! Does that make sense? Probably not, but if I could explain in person it would. 

If you want to start your fall decorating, just do it! There's no right or wrong time just because someone says it isn't. Follow your if it feels good, do it thinking, and don't follow anyone else.

I can't help myself with this fall decorating! I'm not a fan of Halloween so much, but given an opportunity to infuse shades of cinnamon and pumpkin into our home I go for it! Between soap making, which by the way, is nonstop this time of year. The oils are cooling as I type! After mentioning cinnamon, I'm leaning towards creating a Warm Vanilla Cinnamon that will probably be included in our Twelve Days of Christmas collection. What! First talk of fall and now Christmas! No, you mustn't ! You simply must not! Welcome to the wonderful world of manufacturing. I love it! Even more so t then I did some twenty-four years ago! Counting my blessings one by one...

I shot a soap wrapping video the other day, and I couldn't help but think about how valuable my hands are and that I'm thankful that they're strong and flexible and able to wrap and label two bars of soap in less than a minute. Yes, I have timed it! That calculates to over one-hundred bars in an hour! 

I know that I mentioned ordering in some of that gooey and delightful nectar on the last post, but it's worth repeating! By the way, other's love it as much as I do! I can see it, a fall basket filled with aromatic soaps and that honey! We have the golden goodness available in small, medium and large sizes. A size for everyone!

Although I'm not a fan of faux leaves, twigs, etc., the fall hued money plant got my attention. I picked up several sprigs at our local hobby store. Of all the choices available those stood out from the fall crowd. I'm particularly fond of their height. It's so interesting how size and scale play into a design. Both can make or break a finished look. 

Something as simple as a packet of soaps can be easy to the eye. However, they require special packaging so as with most collections that Bittersweet offers, they're only here briefly. Short but sweet...

We received a shipment of jackets from my favorite jacket manufacture last week. The colors are a modern take on fall colors. Soft blush blends so nice with goldens and rusts. You might not think that until you put them together. 

I've always admired maker's of earthenware. The process of shaping the clay to create a useful vessel has always been appealing to me. It's right up my alley! I remember dabbling with pottery in art class, but it never felt natural to me, so I left the art up to folks that do. I recall a funny pottery time when whatever I was trying to make flew though the air! It's always a good practice that if you fail at something not to give up, but after the flying pottery incident, I did!  I'm always amazed with the artists choice of colors, shapes, and designs. When I spotted these small vases it was love at first site! The small vases fit into minimal design. Add a sprig of fall to the tiny vase to create a fall motif on a shelf or table. 

We also added some cool leather jewelry to our Safari Bain Collection. It wasn't a surprise when we sold out within a few days! I have put in another order, and can't help but feel that the unique light weight pieces will quickly become favorite's and go-to pieces. 

I'm off to do this thing called soap making. 

Keep smiling. 

Jill xo

 

 

design by design

Spring is here! Change a corner!

During my decorating frenzy at home I'm realizing how important it is to start with a small corner as a starting point to complete the rest of the room. Small corners are, well small, and they offer a great beginning so that you don't get overwhelmed and confused as you work your way around decorating a room. Also, when you start decorating a small corner it's amazing how the colors and textures blend into a smooth transition. 

This is how I design my shop. I always start with a corner. 

Black...

It's a great grounding color to use in your space. You should always have a least one black piece! I've been leaning towards  more than one black piece lately. It's super easy to change the paint color of a piece of furniture or picture frames to change a space. Another reason to love small corners! You can easily make a few inexpensive changes like what I just mentioned and transform the look.  

Source: 

Black Shelf Brackets

Raw Wood Shelving

Black Frames

Milk Paint

Hand Loomed Throw

Dried Grass

Pictures were switched to black and white on Photoshop and then sized to 8 x10 and ordered here. 

I'm slowly moving into the kitchen. My office sits right off the kitchen and there is a small pantry across from my office space. I have a vintage Hoosier cabinet that houses my office supplies and I'm going to continue to use it because I love the functionality of the piece. I also believe that it's a good thing to utilize pieces that you already have.   I'm re-organizing both areas to my liking. I'll be sharing pictures and ideas as I move closer to completing the areas.  

We enjoyed visiting with dads that visited the shop shopping for Mother's day gifts this past week. I'm always impressed with their choices. Even more impressed when the kids tag along and pick out soaps for their moms. They seem to have a six sense on which ones mom would love! I also enjoy watching them choose the perfect flavor and packaging. Little things...

I put together some special Mother's day soap packaging, but fell short of offering more than a few because they sold as quickly as I could design them! The nature of handmade...

My mom. She was soft spoken and smart among many other things. She was a published writer, decorator, chef, and gardener. Her talents were too numerous to count. She passed on some of those talents to her daughter. I feel forever grateful that God chose her to me my mom! She named my business those many years ago, and helped to shape Bittersweet to who she is today. Did I mention how beautiful she was? She was that as well!

It's been officially announced...

Our Porch Sale will kick off on Thursday, June 3 and continue until June 12. The once in a lifetime sale will take place on our shop porch during our business hours Thursday through Saturday. 12 pm - 4 pm. So, Thursday - Saturday the first week and then Thursday - Saturday the second week. 

This sale is an offering of merchandising pieces that we have used to decorate or shop over the past few years. A collection of home goods and items that customers have often admired and asked us if they were for sale. Now they are for sale! We are continuously switching out pieces and adding new ones in our shop and our storage room is overflowing with lamps, baskets, and other amazing items that we simply cannot continue to take up valuable space in our back room. Please Note: We are not offering soaps, sundries or items that are currently in our shop. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill xo